Post on 11-Jan-2016
• Sweden 1809• Classic Ombuds model:
– Statutory/investigative role• Organizational Ombuds:
North America – Facilitative role, dispute
resolution practitioner– Academia & Corporate US– 34% increase in US higher
education since 2004
Ombudsman (OM-buds-man )
• 2004 AU Senate Resolution endorsed by A&P Assembly and Staff Council
• 2007 2nd Resolution, funding approved by President Gouge
• September 2, 2008: Launch of Ombuds services
• Fall 2008: Office location in Quad Center
History of AU Ombuds Office
• IOA: Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Guiding Principles– Informality– Neutrality– Confidentiality– Independence
Organizational Ombuds
• Actively listens to your questions and concerns
• Offers information: AU policies, procedures, and programs
• Discuss your concerns and clarify issues
• Help identify and evaluate a range of options
• Gather information and offer referral
An Ombudsperson Does:
• Advise steps to resolve a problem informally
• Facilitate communication indirectly
• When given permission, serve as an impartial third party
• Collaborative agreements through negotiation or mediation
• Track perceived issues and trends • Make recommendations for
review of policies or procedures to appropriate bodies
An Ombudsperson Does:
An Ombudsperson Does NOT:
• Make decisions, findings of fact, or determine the “guilt” or “innocence” of those accused of wrongdoing
• Establish, change, or set aside policies or administrative decisions
• Offer legal advice • Offer psychological counseling • Participate in grievances or other
formal processes • Serve as an agent of notice for Auburn
University • Serve as an advocate for any individual
• Jim Wohl, DVM, MPA• University Ombudsperson• Suite 005 Quad Center• 334 – 844-7170• www.auburn.edu\ombuds• *ombuds@auburn.edu
*Email is not a secure or confidential method of
communication
Contact Information: